Strictly's Giovanni Pernice just confirmed his romance with Ashley Roberts

Another Strictly romance is blossoming! Following weeks of speculation, professional dancer Giovanni Pernice has opened up about his rumoured relationship with 2018 contestant, Ashley Roberts.

Speaking on Lorraine alongside his co-stars, Aljaz Skorjanec and Gorka Marquez, Pernice appeared to confirm reports they are dating as he spoke of holidaying with the former Pussycat Doll: 'We have yes [been on holiday]. We spent time together yes.'

Ashley Roberts was one of the stars of last year's Strictly

BBC

Just before Christmas, the pair was spotted arriving at Miami airport together. A source told The Sun that they had become 'extremely serious' after the Strictly final.

Responding to Lorraine saying it was 'early days' and she hopes it goes well, he replied: 'Thank you.'

The couple were said to have grown close after meeting on the BBC show last year, but Pernice, who reached the final with his dance partner Faye Tozer, has previously insisted that he and Roberts were just friends.

Back in December, the 28-year-old dancer told New magazine: 'She is beautiful, absolutely, but there is no chance that we’re going to be in a relationship right now.

Giovanni Pernice at the launch of Strictly 2018

Ian West - PA ImagesGetty Images

'Never say never, but I’m not thinking about being in a relationship with anybody. I fancy everybody. I’m not in a relationship with Ashley at the moment.'

During his interview on Lorraine, Pernice also defended Strictly finalist Roberts who faced criticism during the show for her dance experience with the Pussycat Dolls.

'Even with my partner Faye [Tozer], every single year there's people talking about dance experience,' he said. 'They never danced before – ballroom or Latin. It's different things to do. They put 100% commitment to the show. That's the most important thing.'